In 1986, a local Hayward, WI fishing guide, Bobby Cammack, founded Fishing Has No Boundaries®, Inc. as the result of a broken leg. Bobby wanted to still be able to continue to fish, (a special passion of his) and enjoy the beautiful area lakes; but with a simple cast on his leg, fishing was not as easy anymore.

With years of research, planning, and perseverance, the first initial event was held in 1988 on the Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, WI for all persons with disabilities regardless of age, race, gender, and especially severity of disability. This new found opportunity gathered 75 people from seven different states.

By the year 2002, FHNB, Inc. has had over 8,000 participants at various events with double that amount in volunteers. In 2007, FHNB, Inc. increased its chapters to 23 events, in 11 different states, with many more in the initial planning stages for 2008 and beyond. FHNB, Inc. is proud of all of our many volunteers that have supported FHNB in every aspect deemed possible. FHNB, Inc. realizes over 1,875 participants with disabilities attending at least one FHNB Chapter event each year, with over 6,850 volunteers helping along the way.

At the day’s close of a well planned event, you can be rest assured new plans are already underway for an even larger event for the following year. No matter where one chooses to attend as a volunteer, sponsor, or participant you are certain of a whopping angling good time with memories etched into one’s heart and mind for ever and ever. Dreams of leaving the shore and accessing the lakes are a reality come true and not just for the able bodied individual anymore.

Through adaptive angling equipment such as pole holders, different kinds of electric reels – joy stick or chin operating, ramp systems to gain access to boats, wider pontoon boat doorways, reel grippers, and many other assistance angling tools has brought two very different worlds together to learn as a unified team from each other by sharing the same passion and dreams.

A Fishing Has No Boundaries®, Inc. event is truly an unforgettable way to spend a weekend on or near the lakeshore with a new friend, relative, neighbor, co-worker, or a much anticipated comrade in the thrill of catching that “big one” no matter the size.

OUR HISTORY IN CENTRAL OHIO

Fishing Has No Boundaries, Central Ohio was started with a small amount of seed money in 2002. In the early days, our fishing events were held at Sharon Woods Metro Park in Westerville, Ohio and were bank fishing events. A few years later the group developed a relationship with the Buckeye Boat Club in Galena, Ohio on Hoover Reservoir and the events started incorporating pontoon boats. Our spring event is typically held on the first Saturday in June and approximately 50 participants and over 100 volunteers spend a full day together enjoying the recreational aspects of fishing. In 2012 our group added a second event in the fall at Rotary Lake in Fryer Park at the Eagle Pavilion. This event is a bank-fishing only event and has helped us accommodate the overwhelming demand from our participants. In addition, our volunteers put on a couple of fundraisers throughout the year partnering with St John's Lutheran Church in Grove City for a Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction in the early spring and Planks on Broadway for a football themed Silent Auction in the Fall. Dates for all of our events can be found on the main page.

FISHING HAS NO BOUNDARIES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide recreational fishing opportunities for all anglers with disabilities regardless of their age, race, gender, or disability.

To create public awareness of the problems facing persons with disabilities and the shortfall of recreational opportunities.

To be a resource for information on adaptive fishing equipment and accessibility.

To promote Research & Development of specialized adaptive equipment & gear to enhance fishing experiences for anglers with disabilities.

To help fulfill the needs for a positive self image, independence, and a genuine feeling of accomplishment.

To enhance the lives of participants with camaraderie and lasting friendships through FHNB national events across the country.

To provide information to any person with interest in setting up a new chapter fishing event for anglers with disabilities.

To promote persons with disabilities need’s for recreation in a positive way and teach the public the good Fishing Has No Boundaries®, Inc. is doing through pictures, press, and word of mouth.

To have the best angling events, not tournaments, for any person with any type of disability. Allowing all persons with disabilities to experience improved health, self esteem, confidence, and independence.

A 501 ( C ) ( 3 ) non-profit National Volunteer Organization.

FHNB is supported by hundreds of generous individuals and businesses throughout the year, a partial list can be found on our Sponsors pageOUR 2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS